Barekstad: Trails and Island History

The Nordsjøløypa provides a practical starting point for exploring Barekstad and the surrounding area on foot. The marked trail begins at the scheduled boat landing in Barekstad. From there, it passes Vemannsrøysa and follows the ridges above Gåsevatnet to Kvanhovden fyr. The route and sequence of stops give your outing a clear direction, without requiring you to plan a walking time.

Norled operates car and passenger ferries to Barekstad in the Florabassenget. If you would like to combine the ferry journey with an outing, plan around the timetable. Local trail conditions can also change, so check the conditions along the route before setting out.

Hiking on the Nordsjøløypa

The starting point at the scheduled boat landing makes Barekstad one of the named starting points for the marked Nordsjøløypa. Its route can be traced through the stops described: Vemannsrøysa, the ridges above Gåsevatnet, and finally Kvanhovden fyr. The hike is therefore not only a walk through the landscape, but also passes a site with cultural and historical significance. There is a burial mound at Vemannsrøysa on Hovden.

On Hovden, the Nordsjøløypa can also be started at Kvanhoven, Hovdevåg, Domba or Kittang. These additional starting points offer another way to plan the route; their exact relationship to the Barekstad area is not specified. The marked trails on Hovden offer varied challenges and experiences. Hikers may spot deer, eagles or sea otters along the way. Such encounters are possible but cannot be predicted.

Cultural traces in the surrounding area

At Kvalvika, near the sea on a vertical rock face, there is a rock carving site with three Bronze Age boat figures. The visit is described as a detour from the hiking trail. This distinguishes the site from the stops directly along the Nordsjøløypa: it adds a separate point of cultural and historical interest in the area around Barekstad.

There are also prehistoric rock carvings at Domba on Hovden. A local tradition has been handed down about Barekstad itself: according to it, the place was the residence of the Viking chieftain Baldarek during the Viking Age. This remains a tradition and should not be treated as an established historical fact.

More things to do on Hovden

For a cycling trip, Hovden’s many gravel roads offer a different focus from its hiking trails. There is also a 10-kilometre municipal road with several branches that is suitable for cycling.

Around Hovden, you can use motorboats, small boats and rowing boats, go canoeing and use sailboards. These options complement activities on foot and by bike with things to do on the water. There are therefore several concrete options to consider when choosing between hiking, cycling and water-based activities during a stay in Barekstad and the surrounding area, without prescribing a particular day’s itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Svortevik, Tansøy, Rognaldsvåg, Florø, Stavang, Eikefjord

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